used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
third-person singular of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
installation from which a military force initiates operations
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
basinnounUS /ˈbeɪsən/
a bowl-shaped vessel; usually used for holding food or liquids
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
compactnounUS /ˈkɑːmpækt/
a small cosmetics case with a mirror; to be carried in a woman's purse
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
curvesnounUS /kɜːrvz/
plural of “curve” — the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes
From this reading In the upper portions of the Mer de Glace these veins sweep across the glacier in gentle curves, leaning forward--to which leaning forward Prof. Forbes gave the name of the ‘frontal dip.’
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading In the upper portions of the Mer de Glace these veins sweep across the glacier in gentle curves, leaning forward--to which leaning forward Prof. Forbes gave the name of the ‘frontal dip.’
descendsverbUS /dɪˈsendz/
third-person singular of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
dipverbUS /dɪp/
immerse briefly into a liquid so as to wet, coat, or saturate
From this reading In the upper portions of the Mer de Glace these veins sweep across the glacier in gentle curves, leaning forward--to which leaning forward Prof. Forbes gave the name of the ‘frontal dip.’
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
dirt-bands
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
du
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
Forbes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the upper portions of the Mer de Glace these veins sweep across the glacier in gentle curves, leaning forward--to which leaning forward Prof. Forbes gave the name of the ‘frontal dip.’
at or to or toward the front
From this reading In the upper portions of the Mer de Glace these veins sweep across the glacier in gentle curves, leaning forward--to which leaning forward Prof. Forbes gave the name of the ‘frontal dip.’
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
frontaladjectiveUS /ˈfrʌntəl/
belonging to the front part
From this reading In the upper portions of the Mer de Glace these veins sweep across the glacier in gentle curves, leaning forward--to which leaning forward Prof. Forbes gave the name of the ‘frontal dip.’
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading In the upper portions of the Mer de Glace these veins sweep across the glacier in gentle curves, leaning forward--to which leaning forward Prof. Forbes gave the name of the ‘frontal dip.’
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading In the upper portions of the Mer de Glace these veins sweep across the glacier in gentle curves, leaning forward--to which leaning forward Prof. Forbes gave the name of the ‘frontal dip.’
GlaceadjectiveUS /ɡleɪs/
(used especially of fruits) preserved by coating with or allowing to absorb sugar
From this reading In the upper portions of the Mer de Glace these veins sweep across the glacier in gentle curves, leaning forward--to which leaning forward Prof. Forbes gave the name of the ‘frontal dip.’
GlaciernounUS /ˈɡleɪʃər/
a slowly moving mass of ice
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
Géant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
homogeneousadjectiveUS /ˌhoʊməˈdʒiːniəs/
all of the same or similar kind or nature
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
water frozen in the solid state
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
ice-cascade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal
From this reading In the upper portions of the Mer de Glace these veins sweep across the glacier in gentle curves, leaning forward--to which leaning forward Prof. Forbes gave the name of the ‘frontal dip.’
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
Mer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the upper portions of the Mer de Glace these veins sweep across the glacier in gentle curves, leaning forward--to which leaning forward Prof. Forbes gave the name of the ‘frontal dip.’
milkyadjectiveUS /ˈmɪlki/
resembling milk in color; not clear
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading In the upper portions of the Mer de Glace these veins sweep across the glacier in gentle curves, leaning forward--to which leaning forward Prof. Forbes gave the name of the ‘frontal dip.’
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
originnounUS /ˈɔːrədʒən/
the place where something begins, where it springs into being
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
portionsnounUS /ˈpɔːrʃənz/
plural of “portion” — something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading In the upper portions of the Mer de Glace these veins sweep across the glacier in gentle curves, leaning forward--to which leaning forward Prof. Forbes gave the name of the ‘frontal dip.’
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
Profnoun
someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
From this reading In the upper portions of the Mer de Glace these veins sweep across the glacier in gentle curves, leaning forward--to which leaning forward Prof. Forbes gave the name of the ‘frontal dip.’
protrudeverbUS /proʊˈtruːd/
extend out or project in space
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
unusual or striking
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
resistantadjectiveUS /rɪˈzɪstənt/
relating to or conferring immunity (to disease or infection)
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
seamsnounUS /siːmz/
plural of “seam” — joint consisting of a line formed by joining two pieces
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
solutionnounUS /səˈluːʃən/
a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
structurenounUS /ˈstrʌktʃər/
a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
sweepverbUS /swiːp/
sweep across or over
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
Talèfre
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
texturenounUS /ˈtekstʃər/
the feel of a surface or a fabric
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading These seams are more resistant than the ordinary ice of the glacier, and sometimes protrude above the surface to a height of three or four feet.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
transparentadjectiveUS /trænˈsperənt/
transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
traversedverbUS /ˈtrævərst/
past form of “traverse” — travel across or pass over
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
the topmost one of two
From this reading In the upper portions of the Mer de Glace these veins sweep across the glacier in gentle curves, leaning forward--to which leaning forward Prof. Forbes gave the name of the ‘frontal dip.’
veinsnounUS /veɪnz/
plural of “vein” — a blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading It was well known that the ice of a glacier is not of homogeneous structure, but that the general more or less milky mass is traversed by blue veins of a more compact and transparent texture.
at the time that
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Their origin was for some time a difficulty, and it was at the base of the ice-cascade which descends from the basin of the Talèfre that the key to their solution first presented itself.
a Caucasian
From this reading When the Glacier du Géant is observed from a sufficient distance, a remarkable system of seams of white ice appears to sweep across it, in the direction of the ‘dirt-bands.’
